BRUNSWICK: The closest most Americans will ever get to a national party convention is the living room TV.

As an Ohio delegate, Brunswick resident Nick Hanek had a literal front-row seat at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina last week. Following is his intriguing and, at times, quite humorous eyewitness account.

Sept. 5

8:17 a.m.: The opening of the convention also included our votes on platform and policy. The room was unanimous in adopting a platform that continues to move America forward. A lot of the work that a delegate is responsible for happens in the earlier hours of the evening.

I’m sitting at the Ohio Delegation breakfast after a long night of events. Senator Sherrod Brown is speaking to our delegation and told us that Michelle Obama wrote her own speech that she delivered last night.

What a speech it was. The arena was emotional, moved, and inspired.

Sherrod Brown just mentioned the parts of the Chevy Cruze that are built around Ohio, including parts from Brunswick. So we were mentioned by a speaker at this convention. And Barack Obama helped make this continue to happen by betting in American workers and the auto industry.

Tonight: Bill Clinton.

I also realized that there is no sleep at a convention. And I’m not sure I really need it, this is exciting. This convention was stated to be the most open and accessible in history. That has to be true. I’m not the only one typing from their phone or making sure others can join in this experience.

Ohio is everywhere here. While walking out of the arena, I joked that we could say “OH“ and get an “IO“ back anywhere in Charlotte. We tried it. Got an “IO“ back... from right behind us. Met a woman who came from Columbus, not a part of our Ohio delegation, who had come down with her niece so she could be a part of the convention. Almost everywhere I go, I have met people with Ohio connections.

1:24 p.m.: I am currently at a Youth Caucus meeting at the convention. The room is packed.

Youth Caucus is defined as “under 36.” At 31 years old, this is definitely a much younger room than me, which is great. I think that it is important to incorporate youth into political involvement. I believe this convention is doing a great job of that.

I am sitting next to State Rep. Jay Goyal from Mansfield. He’s going to participate in a panel in front of the caucus in a minute. Ohio has a large number of very young elected officials. I believe that Ohio has more youth elected officials than most other states. At least in the Democratic Party. That’s a great thing.

The President of the Young Democrats of America just stated that membership has been better than ever and the enthusiasm matches or surpasses the 2008 election.

Later on tonight we also cast the official votes for the Presidential Nomination.

5:39 p.m.: I’m here on the floor of the convention on the second night of the convention. Already the convention floor is nearly filled. I think the energy from last night has carried over into today. I haven’t heard anyone say a negative word about last night. Already the crowd is lively.

We are seated right in front of Wisconsin and American Samoa. Hawaii is just to the left of us. North Carolina is seated right in front of the stage on the floor down below. That makes sense, they are the host state.

I’m looking forward to two things tonight; One, that I will get to hear Bill Clinton speak and two, that my grandmother will likely get to see me during the speech due to the placement of the delegation. She adores Bill Clinton.

I also had a discussion with some Ohio friends with a group of delegates from Missouri. They insisted that Ohio was not a Midwestern state, but a rust belt state. A Wikipedia page, a long discussion, and little progress was made on this issue.

I saw Newman (Wayne Knight) from “Seinfeld across the room during lunch at a local place.

Everyone I’ve met in public office from Ohio is dedicated and passionate in talking about how they want to help the lives of the people they serve. It is a great feeling. I’ve had the chance to speak to many of then up close this week.

I may avoid blogging during the speeches tonight due to the amount of times the Ohio delegation has been on camera. I don’t want to be texting and blogging on camera!Sept. 6

4:15 p.m.: I’ve been on the convention floor for the past few hours. This place is already almost filled. Joyful dancing, pictures being taken everywhere, a real party atmosphere.

People are excited about seeing Barack Obama address this convention. I think it will be a wild energy and people are already fired up. It was exciting the last two nights, but this is intense. People are moving around and having a great time.

We have already started “OH“ “IO“ chants

Our oldest delegate is 91. Our youngest is 19. Both have lots of energy.

I was able to walk right up in front of the stage. There’s nothing like this experience.

6:41 p.m.: A ton of speakers so far tonight.

Right now Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is speaking. She just said, “No family should go broke because Mom got sick.“

I’m sitting right behind the Mayor of Columbus and next to several state representatives, along with three local party volunteers in front of me. We are all doing basically the same thing: enjoying the moment. Music, dancing, cheering.

I can see there’s a section set up next to the main stage. I can recognize a military veteran friend of mine there. I believe that he gets to go up on stage later today approximately 9 p.m.

Roland Martin from CNN came up to the row in front of me. He spoke briefly with the Mayor of Columbus. Congressman Tim Ryan is conducting a TV interview about one row away.

8:49 p.m.: Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords came out to say the pledge of allegiance. This was an emotional and touching moment.

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist just spoke endorsing Barack Obama. This marks the second Republican Governor to endorse Barack Obama during this convention.

John Kerry is currently speaking about foreign policy. Kerry said “Ask Osama bin Ladin if he is better off than four years ago.”

They are closing down security on the outside of the floor. This means we are very close to the VP or President speaking. At this point, I am on the floor for the rest of the night. If I leave, I probably will not be allowed to go back to a seat.

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